Laser treatments and chemical peels have been an effective way to rejuvenate the skin, with around 899,000 people getting these treatments to reduce sun damage. As long as you meet specific aftercare requirements, you should be able to get this treatment, regardless of the season. 

That said, certain circumstances make fall and winter the best time to get these procedures. This blog will go through these reasons, recommending some treatments for the cold season.

Benefits of Chemical Peels and Laser Treatments in Fall/Winter

Getting a chemical peel during fall and winter brings a series of benefits. This can include the following: 

1. Reduced Sun Exposure

Exposure to UV radiation, especially UVB rays, inhibits the wound healing process. This is precisely why most skincare professionals, Dr. Ostad included, advise against going in direct sunlight after getting a laser treatment done. Considering UV levels are much lower in fall and winter, you won’t be accidentally exposed to UV radiation, and your healing should go as scheduled.

2. No Shaving and Waxing Necessary

When it comes to laser treatments, it is recommended that you don’t shave or wax before the procedure. Doing so can lead to skin irritation and can compromise your results. Since fall and winter often involve less skin exposure, allowing you to hide underneath your layers, you can easily skip a couple of weeks of shaving and waxing without feeling self-conscious about it.

3. Optimal Healing Condition

Fall and winter usually bring less sweat, which means that irritation and the chances of infection are reduced by 30 percent. Cool temperatures also have a potentially anti-inflammatory effect, which is great after laser treatments and chemical peels. Since most procedures result in redness and inflammation, the cool season can help shorten your recovery.

4. Time for Results Development

Laser treatments usually require multiple sessions to obtain optimal results. Also, the new collagen can take months to form and mature, so you can’t show off your results if you get the procedure in summer. Enjoying the treatment in the cold season gives the skin enough time to heal and show the desired effects. 

What Treatments We Recommend in the Cold Season and Why

As fall offers the best environment for skin rejuvenation treatments, you should pick the procedure carefully. Here are some that we recommend:

1. Fraxel® Dual and Fraxel CO2

The Fraxel® CO2 treatment is a procedure that uses a fractional laser to warm up the skin, creating controlled micro-injuries to the surface. As the collagen production and skin resurfacing process is stimulated, you can reduce everything from pigmentation to fine lines and wrinkles. However, while the power of the laser can be effective for cell resurfacing, it can leave the skin feeling quite sensitive to UV rays. By getting the procedure in winter, you reduce the risk of inflammation and hyperpigmentation, keeping the recovery short.

2. PicoWay® Laser

When dealing with pigmentation, the ultra-fast picosecond pulses can shatter the excess melanin formation and leave a cleaner texture behind. This makes it particularly effective for sunspots, melasma, and even tattoos. That said, the warmer season also brings an extra (sometimes intentional) effect: the tan. Since PicoWay® shatters areas of excess pigmentation, it’s best to wait until your tan fades for the best effect. Plus, by getting the treatment in the cold season, you can reduce the sunspots you “gathered” throughout summer.

3. CUTERA®

When you have blood vessels and excess pigmentation poking out, CUTERA® can be an effective way to reduce them. By using a combination of heat and light, it tackles both surface and deep-rooted issues, diminishing various skin concerns. By getting the treatment in the cooler season, you can keep the side effects at a minimum and decrease pigmentation spots brought on by the sun. 

4. Chemical Peels

Chemical peels use acid-based solutions to remove damaged skin layers and trigger exfoliation. This helps reduce the intensity of fine lines and wrinkles and can make pigmentation spots and acne scars less apparent. Still, the skin can be quite sensitive to light in the first two weeks after the procedure, and the sweating can make you feel uncomfortable. You can soothe the skin using cool temperatures and avoid irritating UV rays by getting the treatment during the fall and winter.

Get Your Laser and/or Chemical Peel Appointment Today!

Winter and fall are the best times to start your skin rejuvenation journey, with lasers and chemical peels being the top treatments to try. The earlier you book, the faster you can enjoy the results as the warm season makes its way back around. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Ariel Ostad and start your skin rejuvenation process!

For more information about laser treatments and chemical peels, contact Dr. Ariel Ostad at 212-517-7900. We can offer you all the details at our practice on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Alternatively, fill out the online contact form, and we will get in touch soon!